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REVIEW
Bluegrass
Unlimited Magazine
Local
Exchange Highlight Review
©
Copyright 1998. Bluegrass Unlimited, Inc. All rights reserved.
It
seems to be a self-produced debut album, it doesn't have a
CD number, and it's by a relatively unknown group from the
Richmond, Va., area. But this recording by Local Exchange
is a joy, a very pleasant surprise indeed.
The
real revelation involves lead vocalists Michelle Nixon and
Vernon Hughes. These are two very fine singers who, even in
a field increasingly populated by great singers, deserve a
wider hearing. Nixon in particular shines on "Sometimes I
Miss," "I'm Not Over You," and "Be Not Afraid" with a winning
combination of tone, nuance, and power. Today's wonderful
female vocalists are, in my opinion, the big story of bluegrass
in the '90s; Michelle Nixon could start taking her place among
them.
Best
of all, the band has obviously been very savvy in selecting
material that perfectly showcases their talents. Any group
can pick and sing, and lots can do it very well, but it's
the rare group that finds just the right songs. The emphasis
is mostly on modern bluegrass and lovers of contemporary 'grass
will probably like Local Exchange the most. But there's lots
in the band's solid approach that will appeal to fans of traditional-style
modes. In addition to having such pleasing singers, this band
is no slouch instrumentally. Clyde Bailey is superb every
moment supporting Nixon and Hughes with his excellent lead
and backup banjo picking (and also as a harmony singer in
the polished trios.) Hughes is a versatile mandolin picker,
throwing off Monroesque licks on "My Name Is Judas" and Barry
Mitterhoff-style newgrassy riffs for the intro to "Passing
Of The Train." Providing solid rhythm are Steve Easter on
bass and guitarists Eddie Shifflett and Randy Cook. (I'm not
sure of the band's current line-up, but Shifflett was guitarist
on the more recent of two recording dates that produced this
CD.)
It's
a tribute to the band's talent and tightness that these fourteen
songs were recorded in only two sessions. Thankfully, the
recording, mixing and mastering of the project have captured
the band to best advantage. Admittedly, there are a few areas
that might call for improvement. The bass is a little too
prominent on one or two track mixes and there's an unfortunate
lyric goof in "Mary Dear." ("One arm will do to hold on to
you, Jack" makes it sound like the young woman and not the
soldier is the amputee; the correct line is "One arm will
do to hold her to you, Jack.") But these are minor complaints
considering the marvelous music and pleasing variety you'll
find here.
The
gorgeous a cappella trio arrangement of "Shenandoah" is a
true showstopper. But the show is by no means over, followed
as it is with a rousing version of "Believe Me Baby I Lied."
This last track is real bluegrass, no doubt about it, but
also has a contemporary country feel that (despite the lack
of drums) would appeal to many fans of modern Nashville music.
It makes me wonder why other bluegrass bands can't follow
Alison Krauss & Union Station into crossover success. Here's
hoping that Local Exchange will soon go long distance. They're
well on their way.
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